November 20, 2004
So Long to Matheny
By Brian Walton
It is time to say “good-bye” to an old friend and loyal Cardinal. Catcher Mike Matheny is said to be quietly attracting considerable interest as a more reasonably-priced alternative to this year’s premier catching free agent, Jason Varitek from Boston. Through despised super agent Scott Boras, Varitek is looking for a five-year deal with no-trade protection at $10 million per season.
While that alone certainly doesn’t mean the end for Mike wearing the Birds on the Bat, what comes next surely does.
It's believed Matheny is looking for a three-year deal in the $12-14 million range, according to ESPN Insider's Jerry Crasnick.
Think about it. Can you envision committing say $4 million next season, then $4.5 million in 2006 and $5 million in 2007 for Matheny? That is the kind of money we’re talking about here. Gone is the chance to sign Mike for a hometown discount in the $2.5-3 million vicinity for a single season, if it ever really existed. Matheny is preparing to move uptown.
It is believed that Matheny has had a one-year offer on the table to return to St. Louis since the spring. In addition, Walt Jocketty was recently quoted as saying he would consider a two-year deal for Matheny. But, this asking price is in a whole ‘nother league.
How can any of us really blame him, though? Matheny is nearing the end of his career and this may be his last chance for a big payday. After all, he’d be 37 at the conclusion of a three-year deal, which is getting to be a ripe old age for a catcher. On the financial side, as recently as three seasons ago, Matheny made just $900,000. To this point, the most he’s ever made in one season was $4 million this past season. Is it realistic to think he would sign for less?
There may be ample bidders out there. Crasnick goes on to speculate that the Pittsburgh Pirates might enter the Matheny sweepstakes if they can finally trade Jason Kendall, though that remains a challenge given the three expensive years remaining on his contract. Crasnick also thinks the Philadelphia Phillies could have some interest if they deal incumbent backstop Mike Lieberthal. Other sources mention the Los Angeles Dodgers, Milwaukee Brewers and the Red Sox as likely suitors.
Matheny joined the Cardinals as a free agent, five years ago, in December, 1999. In 1998, he left his original team, the Brewers, after playing in their organization eight years, signing with the Toronto Blue Jays as a free agent. After a career-worst 1999 season, the Jays cut him loose.
This past season, the three-time Gold Glover hit .247 with five home runs and 50 RBI, a career high. His fielding percentage, .994, is the best of all time for Cardinals’ catchers who appeared behind the plate for at least 300 games. That puts Matheny ahead of notables like Tony Pena, Tom Pagnozzi and Tim McCarver. (stats courtesy of www.baseball-encyclopedia.com)
At this point, the only mystery remaining is whether the Cardinals will offer Matheny arbitration. Given the size of the one-year contract he’d likely get, it remains a risk for both sides. For more on this aspect, see my article from last week called “Six Year Free Agents Made Simple(r?)”.
Is there any doubt remaining that the Cardinals need to prepare to go with Yadier Molina behind the plate and use the remaining free agent money to acquire starting pitching help via trade or free agency and re-sign free-agent shortstop Edgar Renteria?
For Mike Matheny, the greener pastures will clearly be on the other side of the fence. Let’s agree the Cardinals need to move on without him. It’s time to thank Matheny for five solid seasons and wish him nothing but the best in the future. That’s baseball.
